The potential for a greater percentage of UK top fruit to benefit from government initiatives such as 5-A-DAY and the National School Fruit & Vegetable Scheme is much greater this year, Michael Holmes of the National Farmer's Union told National Fruit Show delegates last week.
Speaking at the Fruit for Schools and 5-a-day - progress and opportunities seminar at the show, he also surprised growers telling them that Canadian and Polish producers have also been beneficiaries of both plans including the government's primary trust programme as suppliers are allowed to seek best value.
The potential however appears far better this season, compared to last when UK fruit only accounted for 46 per cent of the total used in the scheme. This year there is a heavier crop with smaller sizes ideal for polybags, said Holmes.
However he is more concerned about the possibility that the government scheme which has cost over £130 million in the last five years will not be renewed next March. "We are waiting for government to decide," he said.
Fruit consumption has apparently risen although he admitted it was difficult to equate this with exact figures. The NFU believes the scheme should be extended to include 7-11 year olds.
He suggested that in future growers might adopt a local school, and that if the scheme is continued steps could be taken to reduce distribution costs as produce for the scheme is being delivered separately from other school catering deliveries.
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